Rules and objectives

Rules:

  • Registration is only available online on the website from February 25 to March 6, 2023, and 40-50 bands will be selected to participate.
  • The participation fee is 3,500 ISK per individual for the year 2023.
  • Registration is not considered valid until payment has been received by IME before the deadline.
  • It is very important to include the name of the participant and the name of the band when paying through online banking.
  • On each night of the semi-finals, each band must perform two original songs. Their total performance time can be no more than 10 minutes. On the final night, each band must perform three original songs. Bands are not required to perform the same songs from the preliminary nights in the finals. Their total duration can not be more than 12 to 15 minutes.
  • On each night of the semi-finals, the audience selects one band/music act to move forward to the finals, and the judging panel also selects one band/music act.

Note that after all the semi-finals, the judging panel may select additional bands/music acts to move forward to the finals. It is therefore possible for a band/music act to make it to the finals despite not having advanced on its night of the semi-finals. This will be announced on the IME website after the end of the semi-finals, and the bands involved will also be called on the phone.

  • Only the judging panel selects the winners on the final night, but the audience and listeners select the People's Band.
  • IME is for young people aged 13-25.
  • The IME executive committee reserves the right to reject bands/music acts from participating if: their demo does not meet the minimum musical standards set by the competition, or if the participation fee has not been paid on time or for other reasons.
  • Each year, 40-50 bands can participate in the competition.
  • A professional committee from Hitt Húsið will review and approve applications that meet the IME entry requirements.

Please note that the use of alcohol and other drugs is strictly prohibited, and participants and guests will be asked to leave if caught using them.

Objectives:

  • To provide young Icelandic bands and musicians with an opportunity to showcase their music.
  • To create a platform for music industry professionals to discover young and promising bands and musicians.
  • To encourage media coverage and public awareness of young and emerging musicians in society.
  • To promote Icelandic language songwriting.